Volvo S60, V60 Polestar get new twin-charged engine

Drive-E powertrain arrives in S60, V60 Polestar with 367 PS

Volvo, along with its tuning arm, Polestar, recently refreshed two of their performance models for 2016 with a new powertrain. Derived from Volvo’s current range of Drive-E engines, both the S60 and V60 Polestar nameplates ditch the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight six in favor of the more powerful twin-charged 2.0-liter inline-four.

According to Volvo, the new 2.0-liter Drive-E powertrain features a bigger turbo and supercharger, new connecting rods and camshafts, larger air intake and a higher capacity fuel pump that makes the most out of the four-cylinder motor. In addition, the company also stated that the 8-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox and BorgWarner 4WD system has been optimized by Polestar.

Output-wise, the new Drive-E engine now produces 367 PS at 6,000 rpm along with 470 Nm of torque available at 3,100 – 5,100 rpm. Compared to the previous 3.0-liter turbo offering, the twin-charged 2.0-liter has 17 PS more but has 30 Nm less torque. Volvo also added it has a claimed average fuel consumption of 12.8 km/l.

“All changes made to the car are about improving drivability and efficiency. The base of the new engine carries motorsport technology with solutions like the combination of turbo and supercharger, lightweight materials and more. This works hand-in-hand with our core philosophy and has enabled us to evolve the Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar,” said Henrik Fries, Vice President R&D, Polestar.

Beyond the powertrain upgrade, the two Polestar models also get a slight weight reduction. The front axle is now lighter by 24 kg while the rear axle loses 20 kg. Slight tech tweaks and chassis upgrades also make their way to the 2016 S60 V60 Polestars like: 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, Polestar-calibrated electronic power steering and new slotted front disc brakes measuring 14.6-inches.

The 2016 model year update of the Polestar sedan and wagon also signified the globalization of Polestar. Last July 2015, Volvo fully acquired Polestar as their official performance arm. However, it will operate as a separate entity while still managing the automaker’s motorsport program and production of high-performance cars. Volvo chose this method as a way to preserve Polestar’s racing legacy while strengthening its market share.

“These cars are properly quick. But they are more than that. They combine Polestar’s 20 years racing pedigree with Volvo’s inherent pragmatism and engineering heritage. These are very quick cars that you can use every day of the year,” said Niels Möller, Chief Operating Officer, Polestar.

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